Multiple Sclerosis Falls: Secondary Damages

Supportive, light-weight shoes, a sturdy cane (“stick” in Ireland), cool ocean breezes and keen mindfulness allowed for some “hiking” on my recent holidays in Ireland. We kept to well worn paths and all, but it was nice to get out into nature even if it was only a few feet of the roads.

Preparations for these jaunts included cool showers, a fistful of meds and the ever-watchful eye of Caryn as we trod step by spongy, peat supported step… And I’m proud to say that I was one of the few in our group who did not fall during our trekking! Chalk that one up to another lesson of living with MS.

So many times, however, we know that we do fall and as I’ve commented before we may meet the canvas more often when we are feeling at the upper end of the MS spectrum.

The injuries resulting from said falls are the topic I’d like to open for the weekend. I’ve read several of your comments about broken legs, ankles, ribs and other bones over the years so it seems fitting.

Lack of sensation, pins-n-needles, drop-foot and so many other MS symptoms can set us up for the fall. Lack of mobility induced sedentary lifestyles can leave our bones brittle and our muscles unable to cushion and control these meetings with the hard under footing.

A close friend is recovering right now from a terrible fall (his second major in 5 years) in a rehab hospital right now. This fall was related to reduced-vision issues, which is yet another warning for me.

Have you had any serious falls due to MS? How do you cope with balance issues when you really need to be on an even keel? Do you have an emergency plan in place in case you do take a fall and have to spend time recovering?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trevis Gleason

Trevis L. Gleason is a food journalist and published author, an award-winning chef and culinary instructor who has taught at institutions such as Cornell University, New England Culinary Institute and...read more